BRRRRRRR-iliant times were had over the ‘Hesket Weekend’.  Ian Richardson and his accomplished team had the event well sorted and it went along, as always, on well-oiled wheels.  The Vintage Motorbike Rally has been a tradition in the village since resident Tommy Richardson started it over fifty years ago, apart from Foot and Mouth and Covid the event has run every year.  And it is testament to its popularity that the same family are still involved in the organisation of this annual event.

It was sunny, it pored with rain, it was bright, it was cold, it was windy, we had four seasons in one day, but the enthusiasm and enjoyment were not marred, and the hardy stalwarts were there as usual and stayed to the end. 

Owing to the generosity of Andy who presently owns the shop and the wonderful Diane who both supported us all weekend, we were able to open the tearoom for refreshments.  It was the second year we as the community shop team had opened a pop-up café for the event and it was lovely to be greeted by friends old and new.  It was gratifying for those who supported us last year to hear that we are actually secured the shop and are now in the process of conveyancing to buy the shop and run it as a community venture.

There were folk from all over, to name a few from Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Nottingham, the Northeast, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Scotland and even visitors from abroad all there enjoying the weekend in an amazing area like Hesket Newmarket.

It actually felt more like a party than actual work

our volunteers came from far and wide, of which there were many, they were fabulous and here is a photo call of some of them, minus a few shy ones  and huge thanks to them all for being part of a great weekend. They made teas and coffees – they washed up and cleared tables and chatted with locals and visitors alike, what a team!! 

And prior to the event our lovely volunteer bakers made a fabulous array of tasty treats to be enjoyed and very little was left at the close of play on Sunday.

We raised an amazing £1,125 for the shop funds which was a great effort considering that the weather was ‘inclement’ and the attendance was slightly down.  But as we have always said, like Tesco’s ’Every little helps!’   We have a loan of £60k to pay back before we can push forward with improvements to the property and our ideas for the future.

I was a bit shocked but very honoured to be asked to present the prizes to the vintage motorbike riders at the end of the day which just made the event even more special for the shop team.

We all had a great time, and it was great to see so many people supporting what we are doing.  We do look forward to seeing them all again next year and welcoming them to what will then be our community shop.

Thanks to you all – every one of you – for your support and generosity.